Warm Up With the Love Kills Slowly Hoody from Ed Hardy!

Spring may be just around the corner, but the whole country is still in the middle of the big freeze. By the time February gets here, I am tired of the winter blahs and gray skies. If you're anything like me, you want to pile on the layers for comfort, but are ready to transition out of winters dark color palette. By adding a few bright colors to your multiple layers clothing, you might get just the boost you need to make it until things start to thaw out.

One of my favorite new transitional items is the Love Kills Slowly Hoody from Ed Hardy. Its white fleece outer has a purple lined hood which plays up the purple in the screen print. The bright floral pattern has a variety of colors including light and dark pink, green, yellow and gray. To give it the real Ed Hardy kick, the designers added their signature skill and heart design to the front.

You'll be able to to wear this hoody year round. Layer it under a heavier jacket or over a thermal top in the colder months. When it's warmer out, you can layer it over a fitted tee or tank top in a bright color. Of course, at The Denim Shop, our biggest concern is how does it look with denim and this hoody goes with about any shade of blue as well as gray or colored denim.

Dress up your denim for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is notorious for making those of us not involved in a passionate new romance face the day with dread and loathing. However, you don't have to wait to have a hot date on schedule or for a guy to send you flowers and chocolates to indulge in this sweet holiday. Treat yourself instead! Go out with friends, buy your own box of chocolates, pay tribute to grade school by decorating cupcakes for friends or coworkers or buy a festive new top and accessories in celebration of V-day.

Personally, I love any excuse to buy and wear a red top, but Valentine's Day is a no-brainer! Red looks amazing with blue, black or gray denim, is easy to accessorize and flatters a variety of skin tones. For example, if you have pink undertones, stick with blue based reds like cherry, but tawny and olive undertones look better with brown based reds. Pinks work in a similar way. The key is to play up your natural skin tone instead of fighting against it.

My Michelle has introduced a feminine group of red, pink and gray tops as well as an adorable coordinating striped skirt. They have two halter like styles that are perfect for wearing to work with a jacket or My Michelle cardigan and then out to dinner with fabulous accessories instead of the jacket. Their striped skirt looks adorable with a fitted tee or layered cardigan. If you want a younger look, try My Michelle's hot pink baby doll top. In addition to these fabulous looks, you'll also find a few fun steals at The Denim Shop that would look fabulous for Valentine's Day as well.

New arrivals at The Denim Shop!

This winter has been one of the dreariest weather-wise that I can remember. Whether you've been rained out or snowed in, day after day of cloudy skies and cold temperatures really takes its toll on your spirit. However, it is the winter blahs that makes the arrival of spring such a celebrated event!

Spring not only brings a renewal to the earth, but also a renewing of mind, spirit and, let us not forget, wardrobe! That's right- it is time start thinking past the dark colors, chunky sweaters and big boots, and to start thinking about brighter hues and lighter layers.

At The Denim Shop, our first new spring arrivals include updates to some of your favorite denim brands like the new Angel Wing Jean from Miss Me. It is a fresh version of one of our most popular recent styles. The unique angel wing design starts with a angel wing burnout on the yoke which is covered in tiny black rhinestones. We also have a new fleur de lis pocket style which is nearly sold out, a new cross pocket and two new western style Miss Me jeans.

Other new early spring arrivals include the Maddie Jean from Big Star, the new Hottie in Lumber from !iT Jeans, and new Yellow Box shoes! We'll soon be adding new Ed Hardy, Corky's and new Vintage Havana as well.

Spring 2010 Handbag Preview

New Melie Bianco bags have just started arriving for 2010 with a fresh spring palette that is sure to get you excited about things to come! We love the softer tan and cream as well as the bolder red, green, pink and aqua. Metallic hues add balance to the group by being both earthy and glamorous at the same time.

When doing research about 2010's handbag trends, I noticed that this season, designers have run the gamut on color, detail and style, but overall shapes remain fairly classic. You'll see this with Melie Bianco's collection of hobos, totes, clutches and shoppers. These classic silhouettes provide the perfect canvas for adding color, tassels, woven designs, chains, rivets and much more!

Larger bags that offer both style and function are taking center stage, but don't underestimate the lingering allure of the clutch. Clutches are a great way to try out a bold print without investing a lot of cash or stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Big bags, like the one shown above, are perfect for stowing all of your gear for the those spring and summer trips while smaller clutches take you from day to evening with ease.

No matter what your style, Melie Bianco definitely has something for everyone with prices that can't be beaten!

Not Your Grandma's Wrap...

Over the years, grannies have given the wrap a bad wrap...sorry about the pun! When we think of a wrap, we think of a multi-colored crocheted top, slung on the shoulders or our elderly great aunt. Today's wraps, however, are denim friendly and more figure flattering than the ones of yesterday.

The new wraps have sleeves and seams that are more fitted to your body. This slims you and avoids a bulky, unflattering look. It is made more feminine by the extra wrap fabric drapes in the front. Details like fringe and trendy fabrics are what really separate these from the old school wraps because they give them a young and trendy personality.

One tip to make the most out of this look, is to watch out for styles that are short in the back and long on the sides. If you are comfortable with your behind then these are fine, but if you prefer to camouflage your rear, avoid this shape. This style tends to draw a frame around your behind which is great if you want to show off your denim, but not if your want to minimize the size of your behind. I came to this realization standing behind a plus size woman at the grocery store.

Grab a new wrap when you go to the movie theater or a chilly restaurant. Wear with denim and your favorite tee or try a long tee, jeggings and boots for a chic look.

For more wrap selections, follow this link.

A New Twist on !iT Jean's Diva Jean!

One of our all time, best selling jeans is the Diva Jean by !iT Jeans. The fantastic curvy fit has been a customer favorite for years now because it not only accommodates your curves, it makes them look even better! Over the years !iT has developed a few fashion versions of the Diva Jean like the La Diva Trouser and the Diva capris.

This season they've added the Diva Chic which is a flap pocket version. Anytime a company adds a well designed flap to the back of a pair of jeans, it's a huge hit. We're just wondering why they didn't think of this perfect combination sooner!

The flap pockets are squared off with a flap that is slightly darker than the rest of the denim. They are embroidered with the classic !iT Jeans design. They compliment a curvy behind because they have more room in the seat and a contoured waist that gives you a higher back and more coverage.

If you want to add a new Diva Jean to your wardrobe or are looking for a jean that will respect your curves and give you style, you'll love the new Diva Chic!

New Vintage Mickey Mouse Tees From Junkfood!

Junkfood is constantly searching for the hottest new licenses for their famous brand. Just think of all of their past licenses - Little Miss & Mister, Felix the Cat, Where the Wild Things Are, NFL, and Alice in Wonderland to name a few. Most of these have been huge successes due to the Junkfood's careful selection and unique take on each of them.

One of their newest editions is vintage Mickey Mouse collection. Think back to The Mickey Mouse Club, not the Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake version, but back to the days Annette and Cubby and the Mouseketeers. The artwork has the simple look of the true hand drawn Mickey and Minnie that has been lost with today's digital versions.

The tees also have a washed down, aged look with distressed graphics and heathered fabrics. New body styles like the raglan sleeve and vintage sweatshirt only add to the appeal. Junkfood's new Mickey Mouse tees and NFL tees are available for both men and women so stock up now before it's too late!